ROUTES - GREAT FOR PARTYING - GREAT FOR RIDING!

Garmisch is the gateway to one of the most beautiful motorcycle landscapes in existence – the Alps. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Zugspitze there will be a number of outstanding tours which simply cannot be missed. Narrow roads, bends of every conceivable radius, a few gravel tracks and always the fascinating panorama of this mountain landscape.

We have compiled the best routes. We urgently recommend you to ride one of these routes and take even more great memories back home with you – until next year and the next BMW Motorrad Days.

TOUR 1 - NORTH

Our "home route" through the wonderfully beautiful Alpine foothills.

Starting from Munich and heading south towards the mountains. But not directly - of course there'll be a treat or two along the way. And the first one is Lake Starnberg. It is beautifully situated where, on a clear day, the Alps tower majestically in the background. This is where King Ludwig II of Bavaria drowned under mysterious circumstances in 1886 - although at that time it was still called "Würmsee".From Starnberg the route continues in the direction of the Andechs Monastery, which is now well known outside of Germany, too, not least because of its superb beer. It was built from 1423 to 1427 and still houses Benedictine monks today.Ammersee lake is situated a few kilometres further. It is slightly smaller than Lake Starnberg but boasts the same impressive panorama of the Alps. After one last look across the lake we continue to Kochel via Weilheim. Here, in the picturesque surroundings between the Kochelsee and Walchensee lakes, is where one of the most famous motorcycle routes in the south of Germany starts: the Kesselberg.Wide turns alternate with narrow hairpin bends, a climb of 240 m over 9 km - in short: a perfect track. No wonder then, that car and motorcycle races took place here at the beginning of the last century as well as in the 20s and 30s.Today, drivers take the route in a more relaxed way enjoying the turns and, above all, the view which opens up on the left-hand side to show the Walchensee lake. Definitely worth a picture! Please be aware though, that the Kesselberg route is closed to motorcycles at weekends and public holidays.A few more kilometres uphill, a right turn towards Garmish-Partenkirchen, the last straight (definitely don't miss the view of the Kochelsee lake!) and we arrive in Garmish-Partenkirchen.

TOUR 2 - SOUTH

OUR LONGEST ROUTE: SOUTH TYROLEAN FLAIR AND THE HIGH ALPS.

From Bolzano it's off to Merano, past villages, cows and fields. South Tyrol, the destination for connoisseurs who enjoy sensational bends as much as outstanding food and drink. We recommend ample breaks in order to enjoy the scenery, the people and the culinary offerings.Then it's uphill and into those bends! The Jaufen Pass is waiting with its endless hairpin bends and climbs, and the breathtaking landscape of the unique Alpine mountains coming again and again into view. If you have not done the Jaufen Pass yet, we absolutely recommend it.After the Jaufen Pass there is another classic: it starts from Sterzing and continues up to the Brenner Pass, one of the most important Alpine transit routes of all.Then the next destination is Innsbruck. First, we catch sight of the Bergisel ski jump. This ski jumping hill has an eventful history; it was used for the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976 and houses a restaurant with fascinating views.We bypass Innsbruck and approach our final destination: Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The first thing we see here is also a ski jumping hill, known from the highlight of the Four Hills Tournament: the New Year's Jump.

TOUR 3 - EAST

From the festival city, over the Grossglockner, into the centre of the motorcycle world.

Even the starting point of this route is marvellous: Salzburg, world heritage site, fortress and classical as well as contemporary architecture. It's a treat for the eyes. And that's just the beginning. Past picturesque Zell am See, we begin our ascent to one of the highest Alpine passes: the Grossglockner High Alpine road. 48 km with 36 turns and a climb to 2,504 metres - an absolute highlight for every motorcyclist. By the way, the pass is only opened and cleared of snow from May! Stop at the Hochtor, the road's highest point, to enjoy the breathtaking view (if the weather is fine!).The descent is no less spectacular, and after a short stop in Lienz, your view drawn to the Dolomites again and again, it's directly uphill from there. Through the Felbertauern Pass - with the Grossglockner in view on the right hand side, of course - and over Jochberg, in the direction of the Wilder Kaiser mountain ridge. But before that we'll pass through one of the best-known skiing regions in the world: Kitzbühel. The "Streif", a ski race track on the Hahnenkamm, is one of the most demanding pistes in the world.Then we pass Kufstein, the beautiful Tegernsee lake and the foothills of the Alps in the direction of our final destination: Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

TOUR 4 - WEST

Along the Alps, the Zugspitze in sight.

We start in Lindau, the snow-covered summits of the High Alps already towering in the background. The first stage heads along Lake Constance to Bregenz. In front of a picturesque backdrop, you will find here the largest lake stage in the world.Then we continue through the Bregenz Forest with a steady ascent and an amazing mountain panorama. Lovely small villages invite you to drive pleasantly eastwards - now and again going along the Lech river. Then, however, comes the highlight on this route: the Hahntennjoch. This pass is 13.9 km long, with a summit of 1,894 m and connects the two towns of Pfafflar and Imst. Then from Imst we continue on a bit more comfortably, until the Zugspitze appears majestically on the right-hand side. Time to take a deep breath because the highest mountain in Germany tells us that we've almost reached Garmisch-Partenkirchen. But before we get there, there are still two more highlights to come on the route: first the crystal-clear Plansee lake. Our route takes us right along the shore; on windless days the mountains are beautifully reflected in the lake's still surface.After a few kilometres, Ettal Monastery appears on the left-hand side. This baroque Benedictine abbey was built in 1330 and invites you to explore it. The baroque organ and the elaborate frescos in the cupola are especially worth a visit. And finally, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is practically around the next bend...